School Programs

Pennsbury Manor offers a variety of programs designed specifically for children. We are the only historic site in the country that relates specifically to William Penn, his contributions to Pennsylvania, and his impact on American history. All of our educational programs meet Pennsylvania history standards 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3. Our hands on approach to learning means that every student has the opportunity to be involved. Our Education Program Coordinator will be glad to help you plan your Pennsbury Manor experience! Call 215 946-0400 for reservations and information. We cannot make reservations via email.

School Tours:Walk in the footsteps of William Penn with a school tour! Students will take a guided tour of the Manor House and participate in two hands-on activities: Daily Life in the Worker’s Cottage and Writing with Quill Pens. School tours are given rain or shine at 10:00 am and 11:15 am throughout the year. Reservations are required. The cost is $8.00 per student. Teachers and school staff are complimentary. Additional adults are $8.00 each. This program can accommodate groups of up to 100 students.

Pennsbury By the Day:

THIS PROGRAM IS BOOKED FOR MAY 2018! Please consider the special event days for schools listed below.

A “By the Day” program offers teachers more options to design a program specifically for their students. Your school is the only school on site that day. Students rotate between five locations. The first three locations are standard: a tour of the Manor House, Daily Life in the Worker’s Cottage, and Writing with Quill Pens. Two other locations are selected by the teacher. Among those options are 17th Century Medicine, Open Hearth Cooking, a Visit to the Kitchen Garden, Animals at Work, and a scheduled time to visit to the William Penn: Seed of a Nation Exhibit. Cost is $1,000 for up to 100 students. Each additional student is $10. Teachers and school staff are complimentary. Additional adults are $10 each. Registration and prepayment are required.

SPRING 2018 Special Event Days for Schools: On these special event days, students move at their own pace as they tour the Manor House and outbuildings, learn about everyday life in the 17th century, visit the animals, watch our craftspeople at work, and participate in a variety of hands-on-history activities. Each special event day offers an activity unique to that day. Registration and pre-payment are required. Programs run from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. The cost per student on any of our special event days is $9.00 per student. Teachers and school staff are complimentary. Additional adults are $9.00. Check out our special event days for 2017 – 2018 below!

Sheep Shearing Day (May 3, 2018) 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Each animal at Pennsbury Manor had a job to do, and sheep were no exception! Watch a historic sheep shearing demonstration and learn about the uses of wool in the time of William Penn!

William Penn Day (May 17, 2018) 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Even though William Penn founded the colony of Pennsylvania, he was not the first person to live here. Learn about William Penn’s relationship with the Lenape as you trade furs, take a seat in our dugout canoe, and talk with William Penn himself!

Pennsylvania Day (May 31, 2018) 10:00 am – 1:00 pmJoin us as we explore Pennsylvania’s history AND its environment! In addition to historical demonstrations and activities, STEM programs will focus on recycling, native Pennsylvania flora and fauna species, and the Delaware River.

Pre-School Programs: Our pre-school programs are designed to meet the developmental needs of young children ages four to six. Children get to experience the past through sensory activities in an historic setting. Individual programs can be tailored to meet the needs of your group, whether you want to visit the animals in the stable or see what’s growing in the garden. Registration is required. The cost is $6.00 per child. Teachers and school staff are complimentary. Additional adults are $6.00 each.

HomeSchool Families:Whether visiting as part of a larger group or as an individual family, Pennsbury can help you plan your visit to meet your goals. Programs include a tour of the Manor House and two hands-on activities. Homeschool programs are $8.00 per person, with one adult free per family group.

HomeSchool Day (April 12, 2018) 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm

“A Collection of Divers Nations”Join us as we commemorate the 300th anniversary of William Penn’s death by exploring his legacy! William Penn’s belief in religious toleration encouraged the growth of his diverse colony. On Homeschool Day, your family will learn about the various cultures that came together at Pennsbury Manor through living history demonstrations and activities.

We invite you to participate in a pop-up exhibit by creating a poster (no more than 24” x 36”) that reflects YOUR culture! Where does your family come from? When did they come to America? Do you know any stories about your ancestors? Bring your poster with you and show how William Penn’s legacy is alive in America today!

This program costs $9 per person with one adult free per family group. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Please reserve your space by calling 215.946.0400.*Please note, this is a special event program. It is not included in a Pennsbury Manor membership.

Volunteers: True “Friends” of Pennsbury ManorApril 12, 2016This week we honor our volunteers; an integral part of Pennsbury Manor. Volunteers have had a tremendous impact on the site from the moment this program was first started. Our Read More